Traditional Cream Cheese Cake Recipe: Irresistibly Moist and Creamy

Posted by My Name is Alice on

 


Indulge in the decadence of a traditional cream cheese cake, a dessert that embodies rich, creamy perfection in every bite. With its velvety texture, subtly tangy flavor, and fluffy cream cheese frosting, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to love.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake, ensuring it’s tender yet sturdy.
  • 1 ½ cups of sugar: Sweetens the cake while contributing to its moistness.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
  • ½ teaspoon of baking soda: Balances acidity and aids in leavening.
  • Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • 2 eggs (room temperature): Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
  • ¾ cup of vegetable oil: Ensures a moist and tender crumb.
  • 1 cup of sour cream: Adds tanginess and keeps the cake ultra-moist.
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with warm, aromatic notes.
  • 8 ounces of softened cream cheese: Elevates the texture and flavor, making the cake irresistibly creamy.

For the Frosting:

  • 4 ounces of softened cream cheese: Forms the luscious base of the frosting.
  • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and smoothness.
  • 2 cups of powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while maintaining a fluffy consistency.
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Complements the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • 1 tablespoon of milk (or more, if needed): Adjusts the frosting’s thickness for easy spreading.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Cake:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and lightly flouring it. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until evenly distributed.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend the eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream, vanilla extract, and softened cream cheese. Mix until smooth and lump-free.
  4. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before frosting to prevent melting.

Making the Frosting:

  1. Cream Butter and Cheese: Beat the cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until silky smooth.
  2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and light.
  3. Adjust Consistency: Add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired spreadable consistency.

Assembling the Cake:

  1. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly across the surface.
  2. Slice and Serve: Cut into squares or slices, and serve this delectable dessert to delighted guests.

Why This Recipe is Loved

This traditional cream cheese cake is adored for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tangy cream cheese complements the sweet frosting, while the moist, tender crumb of the cake makes it melt in your mouth. It’s simple enough for novice bakers yet impressive enough to become the centerpiece of any celebration.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results:

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese to ensure smooth blending and even baking.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake; mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Check for Doneness: Start checking the cake at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Chill the Frosting: If the frosting becomes too soft, chill it for 10-15 minutes before spreading.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your cream cheese cake with:

  • A side of fresh berries for a tangy contrast.
  • A dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
  • Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate dessert experience.

Conclusion

This traditional cream cheese cake recipe is a timeless classic that combines simplicity with indulgence. Its moist texture, rich cream cheese flavor, and luxurious frosting make it a dessert you'll want to bake again and again. With straightforward steps and foolproof tips, this recipe guarantees stellar results every time.

Bake this irresistible cake today and treat yourself to a slice of creamy heaven!